Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, arguably Hollywood’s most famous exes, are surprisingly living similar lives since their six-week defamation trial that captivated Hollywood in the spring of 2022.

The controversial Depp v. Heard case was held in Fairfax County, Virginia, from April 11 to June 1, 2022. The dramatic proceedings were so intense that they included claims of psychological warfare by Depp’s legal team.

Ultimately, the verdict favored the Pirates of the Caribbean star more, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. The public’s fascination with the case endured, nevertheless, prompting Netflix to release a documentary about the trial.

Both stars have since chosen remarkably similar paths, living in Europe and maintaining a low profile. Depp,who has been described as a “completely different man,” has embraced a quiet life in London, while Heard has relocated to Spain for privacy and a fresh start.

Amber Heard Found Sanctuary In Spain After “Losing” Her Case Against Johnny Depp

Nearly two years after Amber Heard’s highly publicized defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp, the actress has retreated to a much more private life in Spain with her daughter, Oonagh Paige. The Depp v. Heard legal battle reached its conclusion with a verdict on June 1, 2022. The DC star was found liable on all three counts of defamation, related to her abuse allegations against her former partner in a 2018 op-ed.

In the aftermath of the trial, Heard largely retreated from the public eye, moving away from the United States and selling her home in California. She sought sanctuary in Spain with her daughter. The pair first settled in Mallorca, before later moving to Madrid in search of privacy.

A source spoke to PEOPLE Magazine about this turn of events in early 2023.

“She has been living in Spain, where she gets more privacy,” the insider said. “She feels like she gets more privacy while overseas, is treated well and can be more under the radar and just be with her daughter.”

In a TikTok video posted in May 2023, Heard–who is fluent in Spanish–told local reporters that she “loves living” in the country and planned to stay there. Despite the disappointment of the trial verdict, Heard was said to be “excited about working and filming again” as she looked to rebuild her career.

Johnny Depp Also Relocated To Europe After The Trial

Amber Heard isn’t the only one who left the United States following the hard-fought and televised trial of 2022. According to PEOPLE, Johnny Depp also made sure to stay clear of America, as he moved residence to live in England.

Victory in his defamation case against Heard won Depp $15 million, which was later settled at $1 million. The money was disbursed to the Pirates of the Caribbean star a year after the trial verdict. Instead of keeping the money for himself, however, the actor decided to donate the entire sum to five different charities,with $200,000 going to each.

The 61-year-old then moved and started to enjoy his ‘quiet’ time in Somerset, a rural county in England.”I just love places with character,” Depp said to Somerset Life, the local publication. “I have various houses in various places and they all mean something special to me. I don’t have them just to say I own them, I have them for use and because they are a bit special.”

According to one insider, Depp enjoys the anonymity that London offers: “It is more of a quiet life, but filled with painting and music,” the report explained, quoting the source close to the actor. “He’s jamming out with friends and playing solo in times when he’s not focused on filmmaking.”

Amber Heard Starred In Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom In 2023

Despite having to uproot her previous life in California, and relocating to Spain with her daughter, Amber Heard’s Hollywood career did not stop. Some fans insisted they would not watch DCEU’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2021) if she returned to the role of Mera. DC held their ground, however, and reportedly never even considered the possibility of firing Heard.

In an interview with the Deadline Hero Nation podcast, producer Peter Safran rubbished claims that the actress’ head had ever been on the chopping block. “I don’t think we’re ever going to react to pure fan pressure,” said Safran. “You gotta do what’s best for the movie.”

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s commercial and critical performance was, however, a disappointment compared to its predecessor, the original Aquaman from 2021. One reviewer from The Cosmic Circus said the movie was “so desperate to be liked that it appeals to no one.”

Rotten Tomatoes reflected the sentiment as well, with reviews highlighting its disjointed plot, failing to capture the charm of the first installment: “Where Aquaman felt original, Lost Kingdom is stale, void of all originality.” Ultimately, Amber Heard’s return as Mera did not translate to box office or critical success for the DC Universe sequel.

What Has Johnny Depp Been Up To Since 2022?

Since Johnny Depp’s high-profile legal victory against Amber Heard in 2022, the Jack Sparrow actor has been actively pursuing his wide range of creative passions. The 61-year-old threw himself back into his music, touring Europe with his band, The Hollywood Vampires, for six months.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Major Roles Since Their Defamation Trial

Amber Heard
Johnny Depp

Grace Victoria Burnham, In the Fire (2023)
Louis XV, Jeanne du Barry (2023)

Mera, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Director and producer, Modi (2024)

Professionally, Depp also returned to acting, taking on several new film projects. He starred in the historical drama Jeanne Du Barry, playing the role of King Louis XV, and attended the UK premiere in London in 2023. He stepped back into directing as well, helming the Italian biographical movie Modì, which tells the story of the famous artist Amedeo Modigliani. Beyond his work in the entertainment industry, Depp has been focusing on his art, with several exhibitions of his paintings and drawings being shown around the world. He reportedly made millions from his own artwork, releasing 780 prints at the Castle Fine Art gallery in London and earning over $3.6 million within hours.

Despite the aftermath of the highly publicized legal battle, Depp and Amber Heard appear to be surprisingly navigating similar paths. Both have remained devoted to their creative passions, and embraced quieter lives in Europe.